Davis (7-4) at Alta (10-1)
5A state tournament quarterfinal
Friday, 3 p.m.
Parry's Power Guide: Alta by 18.5 points
All-time series: Alta leads 5-4
Coach vs. Coach: First meeting between Alta's Les Hamilton and Davis' Ryan Bishop
Last meeting: 5A first round, Oct. 31, 2003 — Alta 25, Davis 21

High school football fans really can't ask for a better matchup than when Alta's offense takes on Davis' defense in the 5A quarterfinals on Friday afternoon.

The Hawks are the highest scoring team in 5A, averaging 37.4 points per game. The Darts allow the fewest points per game in 5A, at just 8.0 ppg.

Neither unit has faced as strong of an opponent as it will on Friday. Alta's offense is great, but it hasn't faced a defense as stout as Davis. And the Darts' defense is stellar, but it hasn't competed against an offense as dynamic as Alta's.

"It's going to be a huge challenge for us," said Hawks coach Les Hamilton. "They don't give up big plays. We just have to take what they give us, and play ball control against them."

Big plays aren't the only things that are tough to come by when facing the Darts' defense. Points come at a premium when playing against them. Davis hasn't allowed more than 14 points in a game this season. The Darts have kept seven of their 11 opponents to fewer than 10 points.

Defensive end James Cowser leads the Darts defense, as he's recorded 12 sacks this season. Marshall Burton is the leading tackler on a unit where there's really no weak spot on it.

There aren't any true weaknesses in Alta's offense either. Quarterback Ammon Olsen is having a superb season and he's got some weapons to throw to in Parker Webster and Zach Liston. The Hawks don't feature much of a traditional running game out of their spread offense. But Olsen has shown he can pick up yards with his legs.

Just like in Alta's game against Viewmont last week, the first few minutes will hold the key to Friday's contest. If the Hawks get some quick scores, the Darts will have a tough time coming back. Davis features a solid running game, led by Tanner Hinds, and isn't a quick-strike offense.

"If we can get up on them and make them play catch up, we'll be in great shape," Hamilton said.

The Darts play a sophomore at quarterback in Gavin Fowler. He has come on strong in recent weeks, especially with his decision making, and he will look to exploit the Hawks' secondary.

Recent history says this will be a tough game for the Hawks. On their way to the 5A championship last year, the Hawks had one of their closest games of the year in a 35-28 win over Timpanogos. Two years ago, Alta beat Lone Peak 27-24 on a late field goal.